Reception problems

Why do I get interference whenever a train goes by? (picture break up)

Modern set top boxes, digital TV recorders and IDTVs are much better at coping with this sort of problem than in the early days of digital terrestrial TV. Also, after digital switchover in your area the strength of the digital signal will be increased so this should also reduce the possibility of interference.

Ongoing interference problems can be caused by external, unauthorised transmissions or interference from nearby electrical plant or railways. Ofcom is responsible for investigating these see There is advice on their website - Ofcom.

Upgrading your aerial can also be an option, particularly in weak signal areas.

Will an amplified indoor aerial be better than a non-amplified one?

An amplified aerial will not necessarily improve reception. Although it does amplify the TV signals, it also amplifies interference and the naturally occurring radio noise by the same amount and to make matters worse, a poor one may introduce extra noise of its own. At best an amplifier will only make a small improvement.

In fact the top performer in our indoor aerial tests so far is non-amplified and quite a lot cheaper than the amplified ones. We recommend that you first try this one. Buy from a shop that will exchange it if you can’t get decent reception.

Also, follow our setting up information on indoor aerials to make sure it is adjusted properly- see Setting up aerials